Family-Friendly Healthy Homemade Bread | Simple, Wholesome & Delicious

There’s something so comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread filling the kitchen. I return to this recipe again and again because it’s simple, wholesome, and has become a little tradition in our home. My toddlers absolutely love it, and I love that it encourages them to enjoy the nourishing cream soups I prepare alongside. The soft, golden crust makes it perfect for dipping, tearing, and sharing at the table. More than just bread, it’s a small ritual that brings warmth, health, and togetherness to our family meals, turning everyday moments into cherished memories.

Sliced, golden, and sprinkled with seeds—perfect for little hands and big appetites

Fresh from the oven: golden homemade bread with a sprinkle of black seeds

Ingredients

• 7 g (1 packet) yeast

• 1 pinch of sugar

• 1 tbsp warm water (for yeast)

• 3 cups flour (half wholegrain, half white recommended)

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 heavy pinch of salt

• 1–2 tbsp vegetable oil

• Optional: 1 tsp baking powder (helps the dough rise)

• 1 egg (for the dough)

• 1 cup warm water (for mixing)

• 1 egg yolk (for topping)

Foamy and bubbly, the yeast is ready to work its magic for our homemade bread

Smooth, soft, and ready to rise—a perfect start to our golden loaf

Shaped, brushed with egg yolk, and topped with black seeds, our bread is ready for the oven!

From foamy yeast to smooth dough, and finally shaped, brushed with egg yolk and sprinkled with seeds—watch our homemade bread come to life, step by step

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast:

   • In a small bowl, combine yeast, a pinch of sugar, and 1 tbsp warm water.

   • Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. Mix the dry ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, combine the flour(s), sugar, salt, and baking powder (if using).

3. Add wet ingredients:

   • Mix in the oil and egg.

   • Add the warm water and yeast mixture.

   • Stir or use a dough mixer until it comes together into a soft dough.

4. First rise:

   • Cover and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. Knead lightly:

   • Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for just a few seconds to smooth it out.

6. Shape and prepare for baking:

   • Spread the dough onto a greased baking tray.

   • Brush the top with beaten egg yolk.

   • Cover and let rest for 5 minutes.

7. Bake:

   • Preheat oven to medium heat (around 180–190°C / 350–375°F).

   • Bake until golden brown on top, about 20–30 minutes (time may vary by oven).

8. Cool & enjoy:

   • Let the bread cool slightly before slicing.

A warm, cozy autumn meal: sliced golden homemade bread with black seeds paired perfectly with creamy pumpkin and seasonal vegetable soup

Nutrition (Approx.)	Per Slice (1/12 loaf)	Per Loaf (12 slices)
Calories	113 kcal	1,356 kcal
Carbohydrates	21 g	252 g
Protein	4 g	48 g
Fat	2 g	24 g
Fiber	2 g	24 g
Sugar	1 g	12 g
Sodium	115 mg	1,380 mg

Note: The nutrition values are approximate and based on 1 slice of bread (1/12 of the loaf) made with half whole wheat flour and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Values may vary slightly depending on the size of the loaf, type of flour, or additional ingredients. This bread, paired with a bowl of creamy vegetable soup, makes a balanced, wholesome meal for the whole family. For extra fiber and healthy fats, you can add seeds like flax, sunflower, or chia to the dough.

Baking bread at home doesn’t have to be complicated, and it can be a joyful, nourishing part of everyday life. This recipe for family-friendly healthy homemade bread, sprinkled with black seeds and served alongside creamy pumpkin and seasonal vegetable soup, creates a balanced, cozy meal for the whole family, including toddlers and even a one-year-old. I hope it brings the same comfort and happiness to your family as it does to mine. To make it even healthier, try using more whole wheat flour, adding seeds like flax or sunflower for extra fiber and healthy fats, or including a variety of colorful vegetables to boost vitamins and antioxidants. Serve it warm, share it with love, and let simple meals become special, nourishing moments for everyone at the table.